Saturday, April 22, 2017

CineLokal Iloilo's Successful Launch

Once upon a time, many film fans have been bullied by a system wherein they cannot get to enjoy and appreciate the quality award-winning Pinoy indie films that are being released nationwide because mall screenings have been so cruelly oppressive on these films. Let's say "ABC" is an award-winning Pinoy indie film; it is set for nationwide release, and opens on the usual "first-day-wednesday" screening sked. Do not ever make the mistake of personally scheduling to watch it on Saturday, because the malls may prematurely pull out the said film off their cinemas by Thursday if they're not happy with the ticket sales of said film. If you ask me, it's a cruel rule, considering that you could not seriously judge the marketability of a film just on the first two midweek screening days; Wednesday and Thursday. Because most of us, schedule our screenings on the most convenient days such as Fridays or the weekends. Many of us fans have been just at the mercy of this very discriminating rule. Well, now the FDCP has taken steps, and signed contracts to ensure the security of these indie film screenings.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) recently partnered with SM Cinema in its efforts to strengthen its commitment to support Philippine cinema as well as champion independent films. Cine Lokal is a new cinema line which aims to house award-winning, independent films and FDCP programs to selected SM Cinema branches across the country. Last April 21, 2017, the Cine Lokal was launched in SM City Iloilo.

"Cine Lokal's goal is two-fold: to provide independent filmmakers with a commercial venue for their films, thereby strengthening their experience and training on film marketing and distribution, and to create a culture of support and viewership among Filipinos nationwide. Independent films mirror our society’s milieu in the most meaningful and affective of ways and we are grateful to SM Cinema for this great opportunity for us to bring more choices of these films closer to our people,” said FDCP Chairperson Liza Diño.

Movie lovers and independent film enthusiasts alike can expect an exciting roster of award-winning, independent films at Cine Lokal. Among the films scheduled to be shown as part of the launching are the digitally remastered and restored version of "Himala" (Ishmael Bernal), "Iadya Mo Kami" (Mel Chionglo), "Of Sinners and Saints" (Ruben Soriquez) and Academy Awards 2015 Best Picture winner "Spotlight".

Aside from the FDCP Cinematheque, in Solis Street, we now have Cine Lokal at SM Cinema 7 to be a venue for us to screen these wonderful indie films.